“Shane will be back soon. Tommy and Mini Mike won’t let anything happen to him,” she added with more confidence than she felt.
The hours went by with no news from anyone. Angel had wrapped every present, and they were all piled under the tree. Tomorrow was Mary’s funeral. Only after that could they start joining in with the Christmas spirit and only then if Shane arrived back safely.
Night fell, and there was still no word. Carl and Charlie returned home to their wives, leaving a frantic Angel and Kathleen to endure a very long night.
“Angel, try to get some sleep. We can’t do anything until tomorrow. I will see Inspector Griffin at the funeral. Tommy and Mike should be there, too. I might get word.”
“I will come with you,” Angel said.
Kathleen was taken aback. She didn’t think Jews went into Catholic churches.
“I know I may not be welcome, but I will sit at the back. I want Kenny to know I am there,” Angel said.
“Of course, you would be welcome. I was worried about your own people, not ours. Father Nelson welcomes everyone, regardless of what religion they practice. Kenny needs all the friends he can get.”
Angel went to bed around one in the morning. Kathleen worked on some paperwork in the faint hope someone would come, but, after falling asleep twice on her desk, she gave in and went to bed. She prayed harder than ever before that her brother would be returned to her.
Chapter 57
Kenny woke up early. Today was the day he had to go to church and say goodbye to Mary. He didn't want to go, but nobody would listen. They all said he had to. They said it was what Mary would want, but he didn’t believe that. She wouldn’t want him to be scared, and the thought of seeing her in a coffin scared him half to death. Jack whimpered beside him.
He crept downstairs quietly, but, when he went into the kitchen, Angel was already sitting at the table talking to Cook. Both had red eyes, as if they had been crying, but neither of them knew Mary, so they couldn’t be upset about his sister.
“Kenny, would you like pancakes?”
“No, thank you, Cook. I ain’t hungry.”
“Are you sure? I could make them extra sweet just how you like them.”
Kenny shook his head. He wasn’t hungry, but, instead, he felt ill. He sat at the table, as Jack jumped up on Angel’s lap. He glanced at Cook, but she didn’t say a word. Angel fed Jack some of her breakfast. Judging by her full plate, she wasn’t feeling too hungry either.
Angel looked tired as well as sad. He figured she must be worried about her brother. He’d overhead he was in the hospital, although he wasn’t supposed to be listening, so he had to pretend he didn’t know.
“You look sad,” he said, hoping she would tell him about it.
“Do I? I just had some bad dreams,” Angel said. “How are you feeling? Are you ready for today?”
He wanted to say yes, but he couldn’t lie. Instead, he stared at the table.
“Someone told me you were going to sing a song. Is that true?” Angel asked.
“Yes, Father Nelson said it would be okay. He said I could sing a Christmas song. Mary loved Christmas. We never had a tree or nothin’, but she always wrapped up a present for me. She liked me to sing Away in the Manger, so I thought I would sing it for her today. If I can. I tried upstairs to practice, but my voice sounds funny.”
Cook sniffled loudly behind him. She was crying again. He didn’t like crying women, so he climbed down off his seat and went looking for George. The other boy didn’t cry much either, well, not in front of people. He cried into his pillow at night when he thought everyone else was asleep. George had told him about his mom and dad and how they died of some disease. They sounded nice. Why did nice people have to go and die?
He kicked at a toy left on the floor. It splintered into pieces, and then he felt really bad. It was George’s small, fire truck, the one he usually kept under his pillow. He picked up the pieces quickly before anyone saw him. He didn’t want to get into trouble, and he didn’t want to upset George. Today was a bad day already, and they hadn’t even gotten to church.
Bridget helped Kenny out of the cab but he walked up to the door of the church alone. His knees were shaking. “One foot in front of the other, one foot in front of the other.” He repeated the mantra under his breath, ignoring all the people staring at him. He didn’t want to cry, he had to be brave. To make Mary proud.
Chapter 58
The church was crowded with people of all ages. Once inside, his feet wouldn’t move. He looked up, shocked by how many children sat in the pews. Mary had always been kind to the little ones. He spotted Granny Belbin all in black. She looked older somehow, but not scary anymore. Angel smiled, as his gaze caught hers. She’d told him she’d sit in the back, as some people might object to her being in the church. Why would they care? Angel was his friend. He wished he could sit at the back with her. But Bridget had explained he had to represent his family, to honor his sister. He didn’t want to honor Mary. He wanted to see her, feel her arms around him, and have her pick him up and take him away from this place.
He tried to move, but he couldn’t. Frozen to the spot, he gulped back the tears. A larger, soft hand took his.
“Shall we walk up to the front together?” Bridget asked.
He gripped her hand. She was really nice, kind like her sister. He liked her a lot, and she liked dogs, which made him like her even more. She had explained Jack had to stay home, as he wouldn’t be able to go to church. She said he wouldn’t sit still and may scare people by running around. But she had brought him a big bone to chew on, so Jack was happy. Kenny was glad for his dog, but he wished he was able to hold him. It would make this easier. He kept his eyes averted from the coffin and focused on Father Nelson. Bridget had explained for him to do that, but she had also reassured him there was nothing to be afraid of. Mary was already in Heaven and looking after him. She wasn’t cold or hungry anymore. Instead, she was happy and smiling all the time. He liked to think of her that way.
The mass lasted for ages. He knew bits and pieces of the Latin from when Mary had dragged him to church before. He stood up when the others did and kneeled down and sat just like everyone else. Then it came time for him to sing.
He walked up to the altar where Father Nelson had told him to stand. He faced the people, but there were so many, so he looked for Bridget. He sang to her, pretending she was Mary. He sang his heart out, and, when his voice got all funny, he just kept going. Bridget kept smiling at him, her eyes looking very bright. She squeezed him tight, when he finished and came back to sit beside her. She smelled really nice, of roses or some other flowers. He didn’t mind at all that she cuddled him close. In fact, he liked it.
Chapter 59
Kathleen didn’t pay as much attention to the service as she should. She kept looking around to see if she could see Shane or the boys, but none of them appeared to be in the church. Although it was difficult to tell, since the building was packed. Mary had been a popular girl, but that wasn’t the sole reason for so many being here. She knew many believed Mrs. Clark would show up, and they didn’t want to miss that event. The killing of a child by her own mother had set the community on fire with people speculating over the reasons why. She’d heard more than one person blame Mary, as if the girl had done anything to deserve the way her life had ended.
Granny Belbin set the record straight a number of times, as she spoke of the girl who mothered her brother and protected him at great cost to herself. The old lady wouldn’t hear a word against Mary and rightly so. Kathleen wanted to get her alone to ask her what she knew about Shane, but she couldn’t get near her in the church. Afterward, the crowd seemed to swell, as the procession headed to the graveyard. She saw Bridget cuddle Kenny, as the coffin was lowered into the ground. The boy threw a single flower into the grave and then turned, sobbing into her sister’s knees. Bridget took his hand and walked him away from the graveside. There was no need for him to be there any longer.
Finally, she spotted Tommy. Kathleen made her way through the crowd slowly, as everyone seemed to want to speak to her. Most wanted her to pass on their condolences to Kenny, but some wanted information she didn’t have. She was polite but firm, as she continued to where Tommy was standing.
“Where is my brother?” she demanded, as she got close enough.
“I don’t know.”
“What? You were supposed to be looking after him.”
“Keep your voice down,” Tommy urged. “People are looking.”
Kathleen tried to suppress her temper. The graveyard wasn’t the place. She followed to a small café.
“I swear, I was watching him, and then a fight broke out, and everyone ran. The coppers were out in full force. I don’t know if he got arrested or got away. I thought he would show up today,” Tommy said.
“Where’s Mike?” Bridget asked.
“With your doctor, getting patched up. He got hit on the head by a rock. He’s fine now, but it was a bit of a mess.”
“Richard was with you?” Kathleen couldn’t hide her disbelief.
“No, we took Mike to him. We couldn’t take him to Bellevue, as the cops could have picked him up. It got real nasty out there. There’s a rift a mile wide in the Eastman gang. Monk is cracking down big time, and I think Shane may have got caught in the crossfire.”
Chapter 60
Kathleen took a large gulp of tea, while she tried to contain her rage and anger, not just at her brother but at men in general. When would they learn that fighting didn’t get anyone, anywhere?
“Where do we look next?” she asked. “We’ve got to find him.”
“We don’t go anywhere. You go home and leave this be,” Tommy replied.
“Never. I’m not going to sit at home knitting while my brother is in danger. I told you before. I am a big girl. I think we should ask Axel.”
“Are you nuts?” Tommy asked. “They don’t like Shane.”
“I think you’re wrong. He let Shane take Angel. I think he’s worth a try.”
Tommy looked at her, but she couldn’t make out if he thought she was right or completely nuts. He finished his tea and then stood up.
“Sure you want to do this?”
“Yes.” She wasn’t at all sure, and her legs were shaking, but she wasn’t going back to the sanctuary without her brother. Bridget couldn’t handle stress, and Angel was going out of her mind worrying. She didn’t want the girl on the streets looking for Shane. Something worse could happen to her.
They called a cab and got out around the block from Angel's old house. When they walked up the steps it was obvious someone had gotten there before them. The door was open. Tommy pushed Kathleen behind him, as they walked inside calling for Axel. They didn’t hear anything for a few minutes, and then they heard something from upstairs. Tommy told her to wait, but she didn’t want to be alone, so she followed him.
“Axel,” Tommy said, as he rushed to the man curled up in the corner. He had been badly beaten.
“We got to get him to Richard,” Tommy said.
“Yes and quickly,” Kathleen said bending down so the injured man could hear her. Axel, did you see Shane?
Axel groaned.
"Have you seen my brother?” Kathleen repeated. “Please tell me. Angel is as worried as I am.”
“Tell Angel I’m sorry. We are all sorry. Tell her to leave New York.” The words sapped his strength, and Axel lost consciousness.
Tommy called a cab and took the three of them to Richard’s office. Richard immediately set to work on Axel, leaving Tommy and Kathleen to pace the room outside.
“What do we do now?” Kathleen asked.
“We got to wait and see.”
“Do you think Shane did this?” she asked, although she didn’t really believe Shane was capable.
Tommy shook his head, “No. Shane wouldn’t have it in him. Not to leave someone in a state like that. Plus, Axel and he have an understanding. Or at least they did. Axel didn’t want Angel involved with Shane, but he knew your brother wouldn’t do anything to her. He knew they were in love.”
Kathleen noticed his use of the past tense, but she refused to believe Shane was dead. He was hiding or in trouble, but not dead. Minutes passed. She paced the floor despite Tommy telling her to sit down, as she was making him nervous. What was taking so long? Was Axel dead? She couldn’t tell Angel more bad news. And where was Shane?
After about an hour, the door opened, but, instead of Richard, Mike walked in with a bandage around his head. She hugged him, careful not to touch his injury.
“I’m okay. Why are you here? I was looking for Richard.” Mike glanced at Tommy.
“Richard’s with Axel. He’s hurt bad. No sign of Shane. Or the other brother.” Tommy spoke in clipped tones. Kathleen knew he was worried about Mike but probably didn't want Mike to know.
“Haviv’s gone,” Mike said. “Last I heard he was seen on a train to some aunt. Monk let him go. He isn’t interested in him. He just wants Lucky.”
“Good job, Lucky is in Bellevue then,” Kathleen said. She saw the look the boys exchanged. “What aren’t you telling me?”
“He got out yesterday morning.”
Chapter 61
Kathleen dropped into a nearby chair, her legs suddenly giving way under her. She wanted to cover her ears and pretend this wasn’t happening. Just when she thought things couldn’t get worse, they had.
“Kathleen, it doesn’t mean anything. Lucky is in no shape to hurt Shane,” Tommy said.
“You know that for sure? Why didn’t you tell me?” she asked.
“I didn’t get a chance to tell you. It was the funeral, and then we found Axel. We have people looking for Shane. We’ll hear something soon.”
Richard walked in without them even noticing. It was only when he spoke, she looked up.
“Shane is fine. He’s asleep upstairs. I didn’t know he was missing,” Richard said, looking confused. “He needed some help, nothing serious. He has a broken arm, and he doesn’t look too pretty, but he’s fine. I thought you knew.” Richard looked to Mike, before looking back at Kathleen.
“When did he come to you?” Tommy asked.
“It was after you brought Mike in. I assumed he’d been in the same fight. I didn’t send word, as you didn’t tell me he was missing. I’m sorry.”
“Can I see him?” Kathleen asked.
“Of course,” Richard said. “Follow me.”
“Doc, wait, how’s Axel? Tommy said you were operating on him.” Mike touched the bandage on his head.
Kathleen couldn’t help but be thankful it wasn’t this kind man on the operating table.
“He wasn’t as lucky as Shane. I had to remove his spleen. The next twenty-four hours will be critical.”
Kathleen followed Richard up the stairs to a room where Shane lay fast asleep.
“I gave him something to help him sleep. He was muttering about going back to find someone, but I thought it best he remain here. I may have given a slightly stronger dose of laudanum than required, but I had to keep him safe, and that meant here in the clinic.”
Kathleen hugged him quickly, before going to her brother and kissing his face. He didn’t move, but it was obvious he was breathing.
“Thank you, Richard.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t think of letting you know. It’s been very busy here tonight. Tommy was worried the gang would come after Mike. so I didn’t want to leave him either.”
“Oh, Richard, why do these people have to tear each other apart? Do you think Axel will make it?”
“I don’t know, but I hope so. He’s young and strong and relatively healthy compared to his sister. They must have eaten first and given what was left over to her. She is skin and bones.”
“Shane says he is going to take her to Riverside Springs to get her away from all this. Mrs. Grayson and the other women of the town will fatten her up,” Kathleen said.
“And you? Will you be going too?” he a
sked.
She stared up at his tired eyes, his face white from lack of sleep. “No, Richard, not unless you go there, too.”
He bent to kiss her, but they were interrupted by a nurse calling for him.
“You should get back to the sanctuary and tell Angel what’s happened. She can come here to see Shane and her bother, if he makes it. I have to go.”
She watched him leave and then checked on Shane once more. When she came downstairs, Tommy was gone, but Mike was waiting for her.
“We’ll get a cab back to the sanctuary and pick up Inspector Griffin on the way. Tommy wants him to set up a guard on Carmel's Mission.”
“Why?”
Mike looked uncomfortable.
“Mike, I asked why?”
“He’s worried Lucky may go looking for his sister or Kenny. Both of them are in the same place. He just thinks it would be safer,” Mike said.
“Where has Tommy gone?”
“I can’t tell you that, but trust him. He knows what he’s doing.”
Chapter 62
Kathleen and Mike got a cab to the police station, where Inspector Griffin was stationed. Given Mike’s injury and reputation they decided it was safer if Kathleen went inside to ask for him, leaving Mike to wait in the cab.
“Kathleen, I didn’t get to say hello yesterday,” Inspector Griffin said, glancing at her, and then took another look. “How are you? You look, dare I say it, rather disheveled.”
She glanced down at her clothes; he was right. But she didn’t have time to worry about appearances now.
“Inspector Griffin, you have to trust me. You’ve got to get a guard on the sanctuary now. Kenny and Angel could be in danger. I have a cab waiting outside. Can you come with us? Mike will explain it all on the way.”
Orphan Train Christmas Page 13
